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Orthopedic residents and faculty pose for a group picture.
Shriners Children’s Northern California recently welcomed 22 orthopedic residents from across four states for the 2025 Pediatric Orthopedic Western Education and Surgical Techniques Resident Education Course (PediOrtho WEST). The event, designed for residents in their first through third years of training, began with an engaging welcome dinner followed by a full day of immersive educational sessions.
Under the leadership of Emeritus Assistant Chief of Orthopedics Jon R. Davids, M.D., and Vice Chair of Orthopedics Vedant Kulkarni, M.D., the course brought together 24 distinguished faculty members from nine leading institutions, including Shriners Children’s Northern California, UC Davis Health and other top pediatric hospitals in the region. This collaboration highlights Shriners Children’s dedication to advancing medical education and expertise in pediatric orthopedics.
“This course is truly unique,” said Dr. Davids. “There’s no greater reward than sharing knowledge with the next generation of surgeons, knowing it will lead to better care and outcomes for children. At Shriners Children’s, education is a core part of our mission, and it’s inspiring to see how this course motivates future leaders in our field.”
Throughout PediOrtho WEST 2025, residents gained hands-on experience in pediatric orthopedic surgical techniques through interactive lectures, case-based discussions and skills labs.
“With nearly a 1:1 faculty-to-learner ratio, this course fosters mentorship, collaboration and innovation,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “Our faculty is passionate about guiding residents as they develop into the next generation of orthopedic leaders.”
Thanks to the generous support of the Armstrong Children’s Orthopedic Alliance, the course was offered free of charge, including meals and accommodations for all participants. The bioskills labs were made possible through a partnership with Orthopediatrics Inc.
Shriners Children’s remains dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for physicians, healthcare professionals, residents and medical students. With affiliations to over 35 major academic institutions, Shriners Children’s Northern California fosters a vibrant learning environment. The success of PediOrtho WEST has inspired similar programs across the U.S. and worldwide, furthering the healthcare system's impact on pediatric orthopedic care.
